Cothren signed a national letter of intent Monday to pole vault at the University of Mississippi during a ceremony at the Russellville High School Commons. Cothren becomes the 11th RHS athlete to sign a letter of intent this year.

Becoming a college athlete is a valued experience that may seem like a dream.

"It means a lot," Cothren said of reaching this level. "I'm excited. It doesn't seem like this could ever happen."

With the success the RHS girls track team had this past year, it's no surprise the seniors are getting recognition. Cothren is the second member of the Lady Cyclone track team to sign with a Division I school, as Emily Miles signed with Central Arkansas in May.

Cothren competed in the pole vault for just two years but quickly made a splash. She holds the RHS records in both outdoor (12-0) and indoor (10-6) pole vaulting and was a two-time qualifier for the Meet of Champs.

She was also the AAAAA West champion this season, clearing 10-6, and has a personal best of 12-1. Needless to say, the potential is there, making her what RHS track coach Don Carnahan sees as a valued addition to the Lady Rebels.

Cothren finished second at the Class AAAAA state meet her junior season and earned All-state honors both years. As a senior, Cothren only lost one regular-season meet and finished third at the state meet.

"I feel like it was Ole Miss' good fortune for Whitney to decide to become a Lady Rebel," Carnahan said. "I think she'll fit in well. She really didn't perform up to her expectations this spring, but I really think she's the best in the state at this point."

The experience gained from that is something both Cothren and Carnahan hope will be helpful as Cothren prepares to compete in the tough Southeastern Conference.

"I didn't realize until I visited (Ole Miss) that the SEC is the toughest conference to pole vault in," Cothren said. "It's going to be a tough challenge."

But with the way things have gone for Cothren, Carnahan is optimistic overcoming those challenges won't be impossible.

"I think she has the potential to get where she can compete in the SEC," Carnahan said. "I really think Ole Miss is getting one with a lot of potential. It will be a good challenge for her, and we hope she can be the first girl from Arkansas to clear 15 feet."

Cothren's upside made her appealing to several schools. However, a visit to Oxford, Miss., made things a little easier in Cothren's decision-making process.

"I went up there and really liked the school," Cothren said. "They have good coaches, good facilities, and it's a really good environment."

Now comes the challenge of competing at a high level. Such a task gives Cothren mixed feelings.

"I'm really nervous, but I'm excited and ready to give it a try," Cothren said.

With Ole Miss in the same conference as Arkansas, Cothren will get chances in her home state.